Approval to implement the Affiliated Student Housing program also granted

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) at its monthly meeting held today at Maui Community College has authorized the UH administration to implement revised procedures for the procurement of goods, services and construction. The primary purpose of the revised procedures is to promote greater efficiency in the procurement process by minimizing the complexity of the process and maximizing competition through greater use of the internet and automated information systems.

"The BOR‘s approval of simplifying and automating UH‘s procurement procedures will lead to much greater efficiency, a streamlined purchasing process and a significant cost savings to the university," said Russ Miyake, UH director of financial management and controller.

Current procedures require most purchases of $25,000 or more to be formally advertised as an invitation for bids or request for proposals. Under the revised procurement process, most purchases from $2,500 to $100,000 would be made through the use of the SuperQUOTE online request for quotation system. UH anticipates use of an online marketplace will serve to promote openness and greater competition among vendors and thereby increase the potential for cost savings to the university. Written requests for quotations would still be utilized for certain purchases such as construction and other goods and services where the use of electronic quotation is not feasible.

In other action, the BOR implemented the Affiliated Student Housing (ASH) program. In a successful pilot program last year UH used hotel rooms to supplement student housing. This year the project was expanded to 200 additional bed spaces for the 2003-2004 academic year.

By guaranteeing a certain number of room rentals through the lease agreement with the Ohana Reef Towers, it is anticipated that the room rate the university can offer students will be significantly reduced from current levels. In addition, the hotel will be staffed in a similar manner to the UH Mānoa residence halls with live-in staff including resident advisors, hall directors and other appropriate staff. Student programming will also be provided and all residents will be expected to comply with university policies and student housing regulations.

The BOR also approved the establishment of the Sidney and Erica Hsiao Endowed Chair in the Department of Zoology in the College of Natural Sciences at UH Mānoa. Hsiao served as a professor of marine biology from 1949 until his retirement in 1971. He passed away in 1987. His wife, Erica Hsiao, an acclaimed and internationally known artist, is best known for her glass creations which are found throughout Hawai'i. She passed away in April 2003.

In addition the BOR approved several appointments. Jim Gaines was appointed to the position of interim vice president of research for the UH system. Gaines is a professor of physics, director of materials and science and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UH Mānoa. The BOR also appointed Klaus Keil, director of the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, to the position of interim dean of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). Linda Johnsrud, professor of education administration in the UH Mānoa College of Education was appointed to the position of interim associate vice president for planning and policy.

Following the open session meeting, the BOR met in executive session with UH President Evan S. Dobelle to discuss his annual review. Speaking on behalf of the board members, Chairwoman Patricia Lee said, "The members of the board had an extremely constructive conversation with the President and we are confident that we are going to move forward successfully for the benefit of the university."